The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach – they’re sharing their college experiences as well. Lena is a Boston tutor specializing in Psychology tutoring, Essay Editing tutoring, Biochemistry tutoring, and more. She graduated from Boston University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Check out her review of her alma mater:
VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike?
Lena: Boston University is located in the heart of Boston. Fenway Park, the Charles River, and Kenmore Square are a short walking distance away. I would describe the campus as very safe with many resources that provide around-the-clock protection for students. The university has its own shuttle bus system; however, the iconic T Train is a very reliable transportation source. Cars are entirely unnecessary as the T, and readily accessible cabs, will take you anywhere you need to go. Many students bike from place to place as well.
VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants?
Lena: Classes can be quite large at Boston University, and this can be intimidating. However, professors and TAs are very helpful. Academic advisors are always available and willing to discuss your academic career during and after your time at the university.
VT: How would you describe the dorm life – rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students?
Lena: Boston University has many dining halls throughout the campus. Each one is unique and equally delicious. Boston University also has a variety of living situations, ranging from dorms to apartments. Living in the Boston University dorms really did spoil me a bit. The John Hancock Student Village is honestly the best dorm living I have ever experienced. Everything is new and up to date, and the maintenance staff is very responsive to any problems there may be. The security at each dorm is another plus when living in the city.
VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study?
Lena: I studied Biology at Boston University. Other popular and well-known colleges at the university include the School of Management and the School of Communications. Each college was very well represented and supported. The university also provided multiple study abroad opportunities crafted for each area of study. I personally studied abroad in Ecuador with the Tropical Ecology Program.
VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life?
Lena: Although freshmen dorms are not the nicest of the dorms at Boston University, the experience is truly extraordinary. The bonds made during those first semesters are strong. If that is not enough, there are hundreds of different university groups and activities where you can meet people. I was also a member of TriDelta while I attended Boston University. If you decide to join in on Greek life, it is very prominent. However, I never felt that you would have to be a part of Greek life to be social.
VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus?
Lena: There are many recruiting events and networking events sponsored by the university. Also, Boston is home to a large amount of colleges and universities that open their recruiting events to everyone.
VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious?
Lena: There is one major library called Mugar. It is very large and I never had a problem finding space. Each university building has multiple study areas that are accessible to everyone. The George Sherman Union is a large area that includes many spaces to sit and socialize, or to study, and includes a few options for food.
VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus?
Lena: As I said before, Boston University is in the heart of Boston. There is always something to do. Whether it is sponsored by the university, or entirely unrelated to anything in school, there is never a dull night.
VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?
Lena: The student body is very large. This can seem intimidating. I battled with the decision of attending a smaller school. I ended up choosing Boston University because of the amazing opportunities the university applies to its students. I learned to love the large student body and could not have seen my undergraduate experience any other way. The average class size when I first attended was 19. However, it really depends on what you are studying. Most introductory classes are quite large. My Introductory Biology class consisted of about 200 students. As you increase in specificity or difficulty, the class size decreases.
VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.
Lena: I have to say my first memorable experience at Boston University occurred before I was an official student. I attended the Accepted Students Day and was being shown a presentation on the study abroad experiences at Boston University. As a small town girl, realizing I could live in some of the most remote places in the world and call it school was incredible. My mom said that I had the biggest smile on my face during the presentation.
Check out Lena’s tutoring profile.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.
